The Edinburgh International Festival began all the way back in 1947 and has since developed into something much, much bigger and farther reaching than it used to be. What began as a single festival to celebrate art and culture blossomed into a world famous festival as the decades went by.

What happened was that several other festivals began to appear around the same time. They were completely unrelated and started by different organizations but they quickly became a part of the same festival season. There are still other festivals taking place at the same time as the main one, called the Fringe. These occur on the outskirts of the festival proper and involve gatecrashing theatrical companies presenting their own festival to ride the original’s coattails.

The Fringe is a non-stop assortment of theatrical productions, music, art performances and cultural celebration. While the performances at the Queen’s Hall and various other venues are a big part of the festival and its major draw, the vendors that sell handmade crafts and local cuisine are a big part of the celebration as well.

The entire area is blanketed in advertisements for upcoming performances and festivals within the festival. The performers dress up in theatre garb for weeks on end, performing in public to make people aware of what’s upcoming in the festival. Banners fly throughout city announcing the festival long before it even begins and grow in density as the festival starts.

Once it begins, it seems like there isn’t anywhere you can go in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas where you won’t be affected by the festival in some way; whether it is the jovial spirit of the people or the permeation of cultural celebration through the area.

If you are planning to visit during festival season, which runs through most of August, then you should look into the schedule of events for both the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival. Both offer websites that list a full set of events and how to get tickets for some of the more prestigious events.

The real challenge can be finding somewhere to stay, with most places filling up fast when the dates are announced. There are dozens of high quality hotels in Edinburgh, including fantastic boutique hotels like Hotel du Vin in Bristo Place, which is nestled among the action in the city centre. Many local residents actually leave the city for the month and rent their home to visitors, so there are plenty of accommodation options out there.

No matter what kind of art you enjoy, there is sure to be something you’ll be interested in each day of the festival, as almost every day holds multiple events in a variety of artistic forms. Some days will have two theatre performances and a classical music concert while the next day will have a theatre dance group performance followed by an orchestral concert and a speech by a renowned local artist.

Whatever you go to see, you probably don’t want to miss the fireworks celebrating the end of the festival, which are a form of art all their own. This isn’t your typical fireworks display either, as they are designed to celebrate the accomplishments of art by the local community and to finish off the festival in a big way.

You can enjoy the festival on any budget, as there are a variety of free shows as well as ticketed ones, so no one has to feel left out.

Known as “Paris Van Java,” Bandung, Indonesia has been termed “Paris of Java” by its Dutch colonizers. Today, Bandung still retains its European vibe. While it is likely that Bandung may resemble a Parisian city of the 19th century more than a modern Paris of today, given this Javanese city’s relaxed more rustic vibes. Here are a few reasons Bandung is the Paris of Java.

ShoppingBandung is one of the top locations in Southeast Asia to buy designer clothes, so in this way it resembles Paris. But where you would expect to pay top dollar (euro) for designer duds in Paris, luckily Bandung is different in this way. Paris Van Java is home to a mass of outlet stores which sell legitimate top brands(most of the time) at discount rates. It is possible to get a complete wardrobe of high quality clothes for a fraction of the price you would pay for the same items back home. So just like Paris of France, Paris Van Java is a perfect place to shop til’ you drop.

Hotels
Bandung has hotels that counter those of Paris. Ranging from high-end classical, to budget hostels, to funky artsy themed hotels, there is something for every palette. Many of these places can be booked booked via sites such as Traveloka.com including the luxurious Grand Royal Panghegar, famous for its world class charm. Bandung is also home truly unique lodgings, including waterside wood huts with glamorous interiors, rustic mountainside cabins complete with lawn gnomes, a waterpark hotel that is perfect for the kids, and a romantic castle true to Paris‘ 19th century gothic style.

Cafes and Restaurants
If Paris is known for one thing more than any other it is its cafe culture. In terms of unique cafe experiences Bandung rivals its European counterpart. Bandung has cafes to suit any taste, ranging from simple steet-side coffee shops perfect for a quick cup; to elegant places great for dinner or lunch. The Javanese and international food in Bandung is some of the best in Indonesia. Paris Van Java is also home to some magnificent themed cafe, including garden themed and several retro themed cafes as well. Badung also has several art galleries doubling as cafes, could it get any more Paris than that?

So if you are looking to rekindle your romance why not give Java’s city of a love a try instead of the French version. Not only will have the opportunity to experience a gorgeous country filled with natural wonders beyond compare, you will also get many of the charms you would get in Paris itself, often at a fraction of the price. So sipping coffee while taking a break from designer shopping can be equally rewarding in Java as it is France. It is with good reason the Dutch dubbed Bandung, Paris Van Java.

The world is a beautiful place and there are some scenes in this world that you wouldn’t believe actually exist. For many seeing is believing, and without visiting these stunning places, you won’t understand how beautiful places can be. When you get a chance to visit these places, you will agree on the fact that they are taken out of a fairy tale. One notable fact is that some of these places are very affordable. Following are 5 such fairy tale locations around the world that you can afford to visit:

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is the most fascinating city in Morocco. It is known as the “Jewel of the South” with a great combination of old and new. Laying low and dominating the Haouz Plain at the foot of beautiful snowcapped High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech boasts luxury hotels, the Agdal Gardens’ vast orchard, the Menara Garden’s tranquil olive groves and lagoon, bustling bazaars, mansions and hidden palaces amongst the mysterious labyrinthine medina. Marrakech is thus one of the fairy tale destinations that you should plan on visiting someday.

Paxos, Greece

Paxos is a lovely little Greek Island located about an hour south of Corfu. The west cost of the island has steep limestone cliffs and caves. There are few small beautiful villages in the island, surrounded by wonderful nature and exciting ancient architectural wonders. The views of the villages and its nature make it one of the fairy tale places you can afford to visit.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a vast region in Italy with superb natural beauty. The landscapes in Tuscany are unparalleled. The nature in Tuscany constitutes rolling hills, olive groves and cypress trees. Spending some days in a luxury Italian villa in wonderful natural landscapes can be a fairy tale experience of a lifetime. Some of the medieval towns in Tuscany are no less beautiful than its wonderful nature surrounding.

Santorini, Greece

The Greek Island of Santorini is often regarded as the most beautiful island destination in the world. Santorini boasts of stunning 360-degree views, colorful small villages, a couple of beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, world-class accommodations, and great reputation for its food and drinks. The architectural beauty of Santorini is unique with lots of white color small houses and cathedrals in its beautiful villages like Oia and Fira. Santorini is a perfect destination for family travel and honeymoon. You can expect to get surprised beholding the beauty of this Greek Island.

The Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre is the name for five beautiful fishing villages located on the rugged portion of the Italian Riviera. These wonderful small villages are known for the nature and colors of the houses and buildings. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Modern vehicles are banned in this part of the world, making it a serene location to spend some relaxing days of your life.

Fancy yourself a fan of the homes of Hollywood stars? For the longest time, the star-struck among us had to content ourselves with going on tours of celeb homes, and standing on the outside looking in, imagine in our minds what it must be like to have a home that resembles a palace more closely than one in which we would raise our families.

In the past decade or so however, enterprising entrepreneurs have snapped up the former abodes of A-list names like Elizabeth Taylor and Merv Griffin, and have converted them into holiday rentals for those wanting to live out a long standing dream. What’s more, the price on many of these beauties is more than reasonable … if you save up a bit of money, paying less than £400 a night to stay in Liz Taylor’s former castle becomes very doable.

Seeking to get away on an exciting holiday in the near future? Across the pond, the most popular holiday destinations in the USA contain a variety of experiences that are certain to fulfill you, as each of the places mentioned below will appeal to a certain sort of person.

If there is any one city you visit in America, be sure to make it the Big Apple. Easily the most cosmopolitan city in the United States, the challenge won’t be finding things to do, it will be determining what attractions and sights to cut and which ones to keep during your time in this dynamic place.

If you love food, then visiting Chinatown and Williamsburg in Brooklyn will yield good finds.

Culture hunters will have a multitude of museums to jump between, and shows on Broadway to take in.
Those that are fans of landmarks will be busy checking out the view of the top of the Empire State Building, scoping out the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, and strolling through the relative peace of Central Park.

With miles of beach lying along the subtropical Atlantic or on Biscayne Bay, you’ll have your pick of what type of experience that you are looking to have, from quiet and serene to lively and youthful.

Once the sun sets, Miami really comes into its own, with nightclubs boasting a scene that is the stuff of legends.

When you aren’t looking to veg out on a sun lounger, the Miami area offers much in the way of culture, as it has Cuban and Haitian neighborhoods that are brimming with restaurants and shops that are indicative of their nationality.

3) Las Vegas

Looking to really let loose on your time off in America? If this is your goal when heading to the USA, there is no better place to go than Las Vegas.

Billed as being the Entertainment Capital of the World, this shining city in the desert has resorts that cater to kids, and shows featuring entertainers from Penn and Teller to Celine Dion.

Of course, this says nothing of this city’s gaming options, which allow those that are inclined to do so to employ their money in a variety of ways in the hope of winning more at the end of the night.

This site is called Best World Travel Deals.com for a reason! Today we’ve got a great tip for you all. Most people are familiar with Groupon for being the deal-a-day giant, but they have recently gotten into a new vertical, online coupons. Leveraging their massive relations with retailers small and large, they were able to secure over 70,000 exclusive coupons with more than 9,000 different retailers available on their website, sans annoying sign-ups.

You can find coupons to save money on virtually anything you might be shopping for, but there are an especially large amount of coupons available in the travel arena. There are all the companies you know and trust like Travelocity, Orbitz Fox rent-a-car and much more. Check out Groupon Coupons today and start saving!

When you think of a decadent, luxurious holiday destination, Russia might not be the first place that springs to mind. But you may be pleasantly surprised to find out what St. Petersburg has to offer to the discerning tourist with a taste for the finer things. The former imperial capital of Russia and second largest city, St. Petersburg is also a major cultural centre and bustling metropolis, home to some incredible and unique tourism hotspots. Below, we list out the reasons you’ll love St. Petersburg if you are an unapologetic lover of all things luxury…

1) Hermitage Art Gallery

Housed in the awe-inspiring Winter Palace which was built for Empress Elizabeth by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the Hermitage Art Gallery is home to one of the biggest art collections in the world, with 360 rooms exhibiting some of their 3-million strong catalogue of artworks and exhibits. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1750, the vast collection at the Hermitage is considered by some to be the most comprehensive overview of Western European art, so naturally this trip may require a little forward planning to see everything you want to see – see https://www.hermitagemuseum.org for more information.

2) Ballet

A visit to Russia would simply not be complete without seeing the ballet – and the original Mariinsky Theatre, where many of the greatest works of Russian ballet & opera were first performed, is the perfect choice. Founded in 1860, the Mariinsky continues to stage both modern and classic performances – see what’s on during your trip at http://www.mariinsky.ru/.

3) Nightlife

St. Petersburg is often referred to as the ‘beer capital’ of Russia, and many breweries and distilleries call it home. There is a great nightlife scene in St. Petersburg, and some bars & nightclubs are so exclusive you may find yourself turned away IF you have not booked in advance! The Mayakovsky bar on Pochtamtsky per 5 offers sophisticated cocktails, smooth jazz, moody lighting and sumptuous velvet interiors – ideal for a classy evening out.

4) Hotels

St. Petersburg’s many hotels offer a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets, but to truly revel in the old-school splendour of mother Russia, you could do much worse than stay at the 5-star Corinthia, boasting a spa and workout room, multilingual staff, full concierge service and lounge bar, the Corinthia captures the true essence and grandeur of its historic location at Nevsky Prospect, and offers the ultimate in Russian hospitality, comfort and decadence.

5) Dining

With so many amazing cultural destinations in St. Petersburg, you can expect the very best of their cuisine too. Russian food may not be a byword for fine dining, but the eateries offering traditional fare in St. Petersburg will blow you away. One of the leading high-end restaurants in St Petersburg, ‘L’Europe’ located in the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe on Nevsky Prospekt effortlessly blends handsome turn-of-the-century décor with flawless haute cuisine, offering a mix of Russian and European cuisine, including a sumptuous caviar and champagne brunch on Sundays.

In the past, if you had a dog and you loved to travel, you faced two agonizing choices: Drop Fido at a kennel or leave him in an empty house with daily visits from a pet sitter. Now, however, more hotels and businesses recognize that for many, a dog is a cherished family member and travel companion. Daytona Beach, as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, is ahead of the curve. There are pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, beaches, and parks. If you’re headed for Daytona with your canine in tow, here are some tips to make it a blast.

Where to Stay

While there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Daytona Beach, some charge exorbitant pet fees or impose strict size limitations. The La Quinta Inn & Suites Oceanfront Daytona Beach allows pets of all size and lets them stay for free. The tile floors are easy to sweep up after a day at the beach and the kitchenette makes it easy to keep food dishes clean and water bowls filled. If you love the homey feel of a B&B, the Coquina Inn has a liberal pet policy and even includes a “bed and biscuit” welcome basket for your dog.

Where to Play

Daytona Beach has some of the best dog parks in the south — there’s even a dog beach! The Lighthouse Point Park and Ponce Inlet Dog Beach is just a few minutes south of Daytona Beach and gives you and your dog plenty of space to enjoy the sun and sand. The Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park is a four-acre dog park with plenty of benches, watering stations, and separate small and large dog areas. The Manatee Island Park also has a separate dog park so you and Fido can enjoy an afternoon of manatee watching.

Where to Eat

One of the advantages of vacationing in a pet-friendly city is having lunch with your dog. At the Blue Grotto, you can even go dancing. This beachfront bistro offers a full menu of lunch and dinner delicacies, cozy waterfront gliders for admiring the view, and a huge dog-friendly deck. Cool off with a cup of frozen yogurt at Rhokkoh’s, a pet haven on historic Beach Street. There’s plenty of water bowls outside, free treats inside, and magazines for dog lovers scattered about. Heli-Hogs is a fun barbecue joint with dog-friendly seating and smells that will have your dog drooling. They also offer helicopter rides.

Where to Get Help

If you’re in town for a wedding or a business event and need a hand with your dog, Rover.com can hook you up with a dog walker, pet sitter, or even an overnight stay. If your dog sprains an ankle swimming in the surf, there’s a Banfield Pet Hospital right near the beach. Go Vet Go is a mobile vet service that will come right to your door in a pinch.

Why not plan a Daytona Beach vacation with Fido this year? You and your dog will have a ball.

With the Big Day approaching later this year, only your honeymoon remains to be planned, and despite the massive undertaking that your blowout wedding will be, you want your trip afterward to be just as epic. If you’re looking for nothing but the best for your spouse to be after your wedding this year, the following luxury honeymoons will have you both over the moon with the value that you will receive for your hard-earned cash…

1) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

With expansive frontages on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, Mexico has no shortage of hidden secret getaways that will grant you the post-nuptial relaxation that you so richly deserve. Those seeking the best in luxury will be pleased by what they’ll find in Puerto Vallarta though, as it has a long history of serving visitors from the chillier parts of North America, yet they are not as overrun by the tourist hordes as Cancun has experienced in recent years.

With many resorts just outside of town being nestled within their own private coves, you needn’t worry about unwelcome interlopers as you bake in the sun or play in the waves, and with an assortment of divine infinity pools on these properties, you’ll have an alluring plan B if you’d rather not swim in the ocean.

2) Mauritius

In the Indian Ocean, most attention these days is focused on the prettiest belles at the ball (the Maldives and the Seychelles), leaving unassuming Mauritius open for you to enjoy without the crowds that flood into the prior two locations during the high/honeymoon season.

This isn’t to say that Mauritius pales in comparison in the tropical beauty department, as its beaches and its peaks coated with lush rainforest will make you wonder why only vacationing South Africans seem to know about this place.

Many resorts can be found along the west coast and on Grand Baie, but make time to take a day trip to Ile Aux Cerfs, where some of the most crystalline waters in the country can be found.

3) Malaysian Borneo

Many folks seeking out luxury honeymoon destinations in 2015 automatically default to Thailand, which is understandable considering the very high quality of its beaches, food and its people. These qualities aren’t confined to this celebrated nation, as you will find destinations with similar advantages in places in Malaysian Borneo.

While it does have beaches that are world class, a cuisine that combines the best elements of its Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage, and locals that are just as accommodating, Malaysian Borneo has a fraction of the crowds that the Land of Smiles gets, while having marine and rainforests that have some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world.

Tours to see orangutans and other rare species should be on your agenda here, as this will make for an action-packed day that will make your lower-key ones all the more satisfying.

If you haven’t yet explored the entirety of England, then these top reasons to visit York might just help you complete your journey. York is situated in the north of Yorkshire and it has been deemed as a vibrant city, a fact which draws a great deal of tourists more and more each year.

For those who have a passion for delving into the olden times, the city’s rich history is probably one of the top reasons to visit York and one of the more interesting ones in England. A lot of tourists come from homes that places like AnyWeather Roofing LLC help to construct, which are beautiful and well built, but they often lack the historical component that is so intriguing to many of us. York showcases the biggest medieval cathedral in northern Europe and it also takes pride in Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the major attractions in this city. Also, to have the best possible experience with York’s abundant historical assets, you can visit the York Dungeons, which are run by Merlin Entertainments Group . With the Dungeon’s interactive presentations and complex exhibits, adults and children alike can enjoy while learning at the same time about the in-depth past of the city of York.

With many affordable trains available for travelling in the United Kingdom, tourists won’t find it difficult to explore York. Several connecting rides are obtainable from different locations, thus choosing your trip by rail will allow you to appreciate better the captivating scenery of York along the way.

Another of the top reasons to visit York is its museums. York possesses a huge number of museums within its borders, ranging from the York Castle Museum to the Yorkshire Museum. Any of these museums will satisfy the complex tastes of true culture buffs. If you happen to tour by train, you can also drop by the National Railway Museum for a fast peek.

If shopping is your greatest love, you will never be dismayed from the moment you set foot in York. Apart from the conventional shopping markets which are situated within the city, long-established roads such as the Shambles are still present. The Shambles was formerly the spot of 25 butcher’s shops and at present, it already contains a great deal of gift shops and more fresh additions of restaurants and cafes, many of which count among the top reasons to visit York.